Facing Blindness, Lizzy Myers Seeing the World
The parents of a five-year-old from Ohio are helping her pack in visual experiences before her sight is possibly taken away in the next five to ten years.
Lizzy Myers was diagnosed with Usher Syndrome using genetic testing after doctors were unable to find the cause of her hearing difficulties more than a year ago. Usher Syndrome is an inherited condition that affects hearing, vision and balance, and can progress to deafness and blindness. There is currently no treatment for the condition, which harms vision by causing retinitis pigmentosa.
Myers' parents are waiting until Lizzy is older to explain her condition to her, but they hope that the current media attention can raise awareness of Usher Syndrome, and promote research.
The family has been crossing events both big and small from the 'visual bucket list' in their effort to give Lizzy a wealth of visual memories. They've taken in rainbows and fireflies in the front yard, sunrise on the beach, and a visit to a local observatory. Next, the family is getting set for a trip to Rome, which was donated by an airline who had heard about the bucket list.
To learn more about current Usher Syndrome research and support, visit the Usher Syndrome Coalition.